Lewis-Clark State College Sees Record Enrollment Amid Funding Cuts

During a report to the Idaho State Board of Education on October 25, 2023, Cynthia L. Pemberton, President of Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC), announced a record enrollment of 4,047 students for the upcoming fall 2025 semester. This figure marks a 4.3% increase from last year’s enrollment of 3,881, highlighting the institution’s growth over its 132-year history.

Pemberton attributed the rise in enrollment to the college’s focus on developing “niche” academic programs, particularly in nursing, education, and career and technical fields. LCSC’s strategic initiatives appear to resonate with prospective students looking for specialized training and education.

Funding Challenges and Project Cuts

Despite the positive enrollment news, Pemberton faced challenges as she reported unexpected funding cuts from the U.S. Department of Education. The college recently lost financial support for five critical projects aimed at enhancing its academic offerings. These include a $1.5 million workforce training center, $700,000 for a physician’s assistants’ lab, $500,000 for nursing student housing, $423,000 for renovations of the Sam Glenn Complex, and $126,000 for medical diagnostic imaging.

Addressing these setbacks, Pemberton emphasized a proactive approach, stating, “We already have hammers swinging on these projects,” and expressed her commitment to finding alternative funding sources rather than halting development. The total funding gap now stands at $3.2 million, prompting the administration to seek new investments.

Name Change and Future Plans

In addition to enrollment figures and funding issues, Pemberton also updated the board on plans to transition LCSC’s name to “LC State University.” The State Board approved this initiative in April 2023. Pemberton intends to introduce a bill to the state legislature in January, aiming for it to be signed by the governor in time for the spring baseball season. This change is contingent upon a successful accreditation review by the Northwest Commission of Universities and Colleges.

Alongside the name change, Pemberton proposed the establishment of a new homecoming tradition to coincide with the university transition, aiming to foster a stronger community spirit among students and alumni.

Following Pemberton’s presentation, board members engaged with LCSC students and faculty. State Board President Kurt Liebich inquired whether students planned to remain in Idaho after graduation, receiving unanimous affirmative responses from the eight students present. Most were enrolled in nursing, education, and technical programs, indicating confidence in their future job prospects.

Faculty members also discussed the impact of funding cuts on their workload, with some expressing concerns about potential burnout as they absorb responsibilities previously held by adjunct instructors. Nonetheless, Bryce Kammers, the LCSC Writing Program Director, remarked, “Our morale is better than it should be,” reflecting a resilient spirit among staff.

Liebich highlighted the vulnerability of institutions like LCSC, noting, “They do so much with so little,” a sentiment that underscores the challenges faced by colleges operating with limited resources. The State Board’s next meeting is scheduled for October 26, 2023, at LCSC’s William’s Conference Center, open to public attendance and streaming online.